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Low-fidelity otoscopy simulation and anatomy training: A randomized controlled trial
M Fieux1, S Zaouche1, P Philouze2
1Service d'otologie et otoneurologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, centre hospitalier Lyon Sud, université de Lyon, université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France.
Objectives:
To evaluate whether the use of low-fidelity otoscopy simulation improved medical students' theoretical knowledge of middle ear anatomy and pathologies compared to traditional teaching methods.
Methods:
This was a randomized controlled trial. Simulation workshops were conducted in April 2019 in the Lyon Sud University medical faculty, France. Students were randomly assigned to the simulation group (n=105) or to the control group (n=95). The students in the control group answered a questionnaire evaluating theoretical knowledge (25 true-false questions) before the simulation tutorial, while the students in the simulation group answered the same questions after the tutorial. Both groups also filled out a satisfaction questionnaire for feedback.
Results:
196 of the 200 students who participated in the study completed the knowledge assessment questionnaire. Scores were 32.0% higher in the simulation group than in the control group (mean scores, 12.0/20 vs. 9.1/20; P<0.0001). 184 of the 191 students who completed the satisfaction questionnaire (96.3%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the workshop, and all but one (99.5%) recommended keeping it in the curriculum. In the free comments fields, students highlighted the educational value of learning without the stress of patient discomfort.
Conclusion:
Otoscopy simulation is an effective training method, improving theoretical knowledge compared with conventional theoretical training.
